The point of having threaded comments is to allow new discussion to happen. I'm sure other top level comments won't be a gun debate; even better if you add your own thoughts. Only downvote things if they do not contribute to discussion whatsoever.
I know, but I prefer giving feedback whenever possible. I personally hate being downvoted with no explanation. I call it "drive-by downvoting" and in my opinion it really degrades the experience of the community as a whole.